Russia Keeps Yabloko Banned, Jails Deputy Head

Moscow’s Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld a lower‑court decision to suspend the operations of the opposition party [Name of Party], a move that aligns with the Kremlin’s broader strategy to limit political competition ahead of the September parliamentary elections. The ruling confirmed the party’s failure to meet legal registration requirements, effectively barring it from fielding candidates and participating in the upcoming State Duma vote.

The decision arrives amid heightened scrutiny of Russia’s electoral environment, where several opposition groups have faced bans, fines or registration obstacles in recent years. International observers and human‑rights organizations have condemned the measure as a further erosion of political pluralism, while Kremlin officials argue that the enforcement of existing laws is necessary to maintain stability. With the election only weeks away, the ruling reduces the number of contesting parties and may consolidate support for the ruling United Russia bloc, shaping the composition of the next legislative term.